The Grand Cherokee Limited XS is fitted with Jeep’s Quadra-Trac II four wheel drive system with progressive differential as standard.

The Grand Cherokee Limited XS is fitted with Jeep’s Quadra-Trac
II four wheel drive system with progressive differential as standard.
This system primarily directs the engine’s power to the rear
wheels, but when sensors detect a difference in speed between the
front and rear wheels, it ensures the axle with the most grip receives
the most power. This allows the wheels to maintain maximum traction
and the driver to keep control at all times.

We had the opportunity to take the Grand Cherokee off-road, albeit
on forest tracks, which comprised of gravel roads and muddy tracks
which were not particularly challenging for the Cherokee. Our test
vehicle was equipped with road tyres but it handled everything we
threw at it with ease. Through the deepest ruts we selected low
ratio, as we did not fancy getting stuck off-road, miles from the
nearest public road and we left the Cherokee to pull itself through
with the minimum of throttle. We certainly would not have take a
Volvo XC90 or BMW X5 down these tracks as this was true 4x4 country.

In 2004 the Jeep Grand Cherokee was voted 'The World's Best Off-Roader'
by 4x4 magazine. In a series of tests - each designed to put every
vehicle through real off-road situations - the 2.7 CRD Grand Cherokee
was awarded 193 points out of a possible 250.

Ease of Use

We found the Grand Cherokee a practical and easy vehicle to use
and perfect for the well deserved holiday that we took in Northumbria.
We could fit everything we needed into the rear luggage area, the
rear seats fold down (60/40 split), if you need more space. We liked
the split rear tailgate door which allows you to load the boot without
having to drop the tailgate, ideal if you have a dog in the boot
or don’t want to risk your luggage falling out.

The dual climate control was simple to use and effective, even
though the read out remained in Fahrenheit, it can be changed to
centigrade but this affects other settings. There is even a trip
computer, which relays your fuel consumption, the outside temperature
and an electronic compass.

The Limited XS features an auto-dimming rear mirror which we found
particularly beneficial on our night time journey from Devon to
Northumbria. The auto-wipers worked well and were adjustable for
sensitivity, which was beneficial in the appalling weather we suffered
on our journey. Both the rear and front screen are heated and made
quick work of clearing the screens.

Around town the Grand Cherokee is an easy vehicle to live with,
although, parking can be a problem as it can be difficult to see
or judge vehicles behind you. The car does benefit from parking
sensors, which saved the paintwork on one or two occasions. Overall,
all round vision is good and driving around town is effortless with
the standard 4-speed automatic transmission.